Modular bat and system

ABSTRACT

A modular batting system according to various embodiments can include a plurality of batting devices, comprising at least a training bat and a handle weighted bat. A plurality of elements are interchangeable between the training bat and the handle weighted bat to provide a user custom fit bat.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of provisional applicationSer. No. 61/436,674, filed Feb. 22, 2011, which is incorporated byreference herein.

FIELD

The present teachings relate to devices and systems for a handleweighted bat.

INTRODUCTION

In baseball today the most prominent theory for efficiently hitting abaseball is the application of rotational dynamics. Rotational dynamicscomprises two key batting components namely circular hand path (CHP) andtorque. FIG. 6 shows a top view diagram of a batter's circular hand pathin the batter's box where rotational dynamics are employed to hit theball. CHP is the transfer of the body's rotational momentum that occurswhen the hands are taken in a circular path, as when swinging a bat.Torque is the force that is applied at the bat handle by the push andpull of the hands, arms and shoulders in opposite directions. Theacceleration of the bat head generated from the CHP is referred to asthe “Pendulum Effect.” A big part of a hitter's bat speed is generatedfrom the circular path of his hands (similar to swinging a ballconnected to the end of a string). As long as the hitter keeps theirhands in a circular path, the ball will continue to accelerate in acircle. But if the path of the hand follows a linear path, the ball onthe end of the string loses angular velocity. FIG. 5 shows a top viewdiagram of a batter's hand path in the batter's box where linear battingdynamics are employed to hit the ball.

The same rationale applies when a hitter is swinging a bat. If the handsare kept in a circular path as shown in FIG. 6, the bat will continue toaccelerate. But if the path of the hands follow a linear or near linearpath as shown in FIG. 5, then the batter loses the circular path and thebat will loses speed. FIG. 5 shows a top view diagram of a batter's handpath in the batter's box where linear batting dynamics are employed tohit the ball. A batter using this linear hand path tries to compensatefor this loss of bat speed by making an essential strong wrist releasenear the hitting zone over the plate. Note how much more linear motionthe hands exhibit as the bat enters the hitting zone near home plate.The straightening of the hands during a batter's swing occurs in mostsituations where a linear component is introduced into the swing path bythe batter. In years past, the linear swing had been taught as theproper way to swing by many swing coaches. Even today many littleleaguers, high school, semi pro and professional players are usinglinear dynamics in their swings. It has been found however that linearswing dynamics do not “scale up” effectively. Many young players mayfind success in the lower ranks of baseball using this method howeverthey seem to hit a brick wall when they move up to the upper echelons ofprofessional baseball where they find great difficulty hitting the 90+MPH speed pitches. The success of the few professional players whocontinue to use linear dynamics in their swing is likely a result oftheir extraordinary athletic ability rather than the soundness of theirhitting mechanics.

While rotational dynamics are considered to be the best approach tohitting effectively, many of the training and warm up batting aids donot reinforce rotational dynamics and a circular hand path in thebatter's swing. A hitter warming up using weighted sleeves and donuts isin actuality, degrading the hitter's swing. The weight distribution ofdonuts and sleeves at the end of the bat negatively affects the hitter'snatural swing, pulling their hands away from the body and distortingtheir CHP. As a result, swinging with donuts and end-loaded bats forcesthe hitter into a more linear swing. This limits the amount of torquethat they can generate, and as a result, slows their bat speed andultimately reduces their power.

SUMMARY

The present invention may satisfy one or more of the above-mentioneddesirable features. Other features and/or advantages may become apparentfrom the description which follows.

It is an object of the present teaching to provide a device, moreheavily weighted at the handle, for any sports making use of a club,racket, bat, stick or similar device where swinging the device is anintegral part of the game or activity. It is an object of this inventionto provide a batting training aid that is weighted on at least one endto promote and reinforce a batter's circular hand path (CHP) during theexecution of their swing.

It is another object of this invention to provide a bat that is weightedin the knob and the handles such that the center of gravity of the batis located in the lower section of the bat to promote and reinforce acircular hand path (CHP) during the execution of the swing.

It is another object of this invention to provide a modular arrangementof the training aids and bats such that the knobs, the handles and batcontact portions are interchangeable.

In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments willbecome evident. It should be understood that the invention, in itsbroadest sense, could be practiced without having one or more featuresof these aspects and embodiments. It should be understood that theseaspects and embodiments are merely exemplary and explanatory and are notrestrictive of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings described beloware for illustrative purposes only. The drawings are not intended tolimit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

FIG. 1 shows a typical baseball bat and the designated parts that formthe bat structure;

FIG. 2 shows a typical baseball bat where a weighted donut is attachedto the bat barrel for batter warm up and practice swings;

FIG. 3A shows a practice and warm up bat with weighted knobs and handlesin accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 3B shows an alternative practice and warm up bat with weightedknobs and handles in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 3C shows an alternative practice and warm up bat with weightedknobs and handles in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 4A shows a bat including a weighted knob and handle in accordancewith the present teachings;

FIG. 4B shows an alternative embodiment of a bat including a weightedknob and handle in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 4C shows yet another alternative embodiment of a bat including aweighted knob and handle in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 5 shows a top view diagram of a batter's hand path in the batter'sbox where linear batting dynamics are employed to hit the ball;

FIG. 6 shows a top view diagram of a batter's circular hand path in thebatter's box where rotational dynamics are employed to hit the ball;

FIG. 7 shows a modular practice and warm up bat with interchangeablecomponents in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 8A shows a modular handle weighted bat with interchangeablecomponents in accordance with the present teachings;

FIG. 8B shows another exemplary embodiment of a modular handle weightedbat with interchangeable components in accordance with the presentteachings;

FIG. 8C shows another embodiment of a practice bat and a handle weightedbat with interchangeable knob-and-handle weighted inserts in accordancewith the present teachings;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an attachment mechanismfor attaching the knob and weight inside the handle to a bat inaccordance with the present teachings; and

FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment illustrating the modular handleweighted bat being fitted with different sized weights.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to various embodiments, examples of which areillustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, these variousexemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure. On thecontrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives,modifications, and equivalents.

Throughout the application, description of various embodiments may use“comprising” language, however, it will be understood by one of skill inthe art, that in some specific instances, an embodiment canalternatively be described using the language “consisting essentiallyof” or “consisting of.”

For purposes of better understanding the present teachings and in no waylimiting the scope of the teachings, it will be clear to one of skill inthe art that the use of the singular includes the plural unlessspecifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the terms “a,” “an” and “atleast one” are used interchangeably in this application. Unlessotherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages orproportions, and other numerical values used in the specification andclaims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by theterm “about.”

Various embodiments described herein provide a batting training aid thatis weighted on at least one end to promote and reinforce a batter'scircular hand path (CHP) during the execution of their swing. Variousembodiments provide a bat that is weighted in the knob and the handlessuch that the center of gravity of the bat is located in the lowersection of the bat to promote and reinforce a circular hand path (CHIP)during the execution of the swing.

Various embodiments provide a modular arrangement of the training aidsand bats such that the knobs, the handles and bat contact portions areinterchangeable.

In various embodiments, the weighted handle device can be employed totrain and enhance performance in sports and activities beyond baseball.The device can be employed in any sport making use of a club, racket,bat, stick or any similar hand held device, wherein swinging the deviceis an integral part of the game or activity. Softball, golf, tennis,cricket, badminton, hockey, lacrosse, field hockey, racket ball, squash,jai alai, etc. are examples of sports which can make use of the devicesdescribed herein. Beyond sports, the devices can be applied to a host ofoccupational medical/rehabilitation and general fitness application.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of the basic elements of a typical baseball bat100. The knob 10 is located at a first end of the bat to prevent thebatters hands from sliding off the bat during a hard swing. Adjacent theknob is the bat handle 20 where the batter grips and holds the bat whileexecuting a swing. The barrel 30 is adjacent the handle and it is thesurface that strikes the ball. End cap 40 defines the second end of thebat. The center of gravity CG of the bat is located in the barrelelement since it has the largest concentration of mass.

In FIG. 2, a typical weighted bat 200 is shown where a weighted donut 50is attached to the barrel section 30. With the added weighted donut 50the center of gravity of the weighted bat is now closer to the end cap40 when compared to the typical bat 100 shown in FIG. 1. Thispositioning of the center of gravity CG near the end cap tends to pullthe bat away from the body of the hitter during the swing. Thisparticular motion is contrary to the desired motion of the circular handpath as shown in FIG. 6 which is considered to be the most efficientswing for hitting a baseball.

The handle weighted devices according to the present invention can beconfigured having various configurations depending upon the user'sspecific application. In some embodiments, the handle weighted device isconfigured having a barrel similar in size, shape, and proportion toconventional bats. In other embodiments, the handle weighted device isconfigured having a rod-shaped configuration having at least oneweighted end for use as a training bat. The devices can be designed andmanufactured according to conventional bat or training bat methods. Invarious embodiments, the handle weighted device can be configured havinga walled shell with a completely hollow core or at least one hollowinterior section of the core. In other embodiments, the handle weighteddevice can be configured having a solid core formed from a solid pieceof material or filled, such as with foam or an insert, such as a metal,plastic or composite material.

In some embodiments, the handle weighted device can be made of a singlematerial, such as aluminum, plastic, wood, and the like. The bat can bemade, for example, of an all metal, such as aluminum, constructiondesign or an all wood bat. In some embodiments, the handle weighteddevice can be made of more than one type of material such as, aluminum,plastic, wood, or a composite material. For example, the handle weighteddevice can be made of a hybrid construction wherein a portion of thedevice consists of one material and another portion consists of adifferent material. The device can be designed as a hybrid batcomprising a half metal and half wood composition. In some embodiments,the handle weighted device can be designed based upon the needs of aspecific player. The weighted handle device can also be designedaccording to specific regulations of a governing sports body regardingequipment design for professional players, amateur players, collegiateplayers, or Little League players.

The wall or walls of the handle weighted device may be made of variousknown materials. In some embodiments, the wall or walls may be made of asingle material, or a combination of materials. In some embodiments, thewall or wall may be made of a single layer material or multiple layersof materials. In some embodiments, the wall or walls may be configuredhaving a uniform wall thickness. In other embodiments, the wall or wallsmay be configured with varying wall thickness.

The handle weighted device can be manufactured as a single-piece designor it may comprise plural pieces. During the manufacturing process, asingle-piece design can be constructed, for example, with varying wallthickness formed within different sections of the device. In thisexample, the heaviest portion of the device can be configured as thehandle having a thicker, denser shaft construction than the middle andend portion formed having a thinner, lighter construction. In otherembodiments, the handle weighted device can be manufactured comprisingtwo or more pieces. In a multiple-piece design example, a heavy handleconstruction can be initially fabricated and then attached to thedevice. For example, to provide an added weight in the handle, a heavyalloy such as steel may be included within the handle to form the heavyhandle construction which can then be attached, by one or more variousmethods, to an aluminum-constructed mid and end section. Those havingskills in the art would understand that other metals and alloys, such asvarying grades of steel, iron, magnesium, titanium, copper, andgraphite, can be used in the heavy handle construction. In lieu of or inaddition to the metal or alloy, other weighting material, such as sand,ball bearings, water, stones or other viscous material, may be insertedinto the heavy handle as additional filler or as the weightingcomponent.

In comparison to a traditional bat, which typically weighs no more than33 ounces, the handle weighted devices according to the presentteachings can be configured such that a substantial weight is added inthe handle, which causes the total weight of the bat to be approximately40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 ounces. The largest concentration of mass islocated in the handle. The devices can also range in length from 28 to34 inches. Thus, the devices can be manufactured having severaldifferent weight options from which the user can test and select theappropriate batting configuration that is the best for the user. Theweighted bat can be manufactured having, for example, five differentweight options 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 ounces at various lengths. Thefollowing tables demonstrate exemplary length and weight combinationsfor the training bat and the weighted bat.

Training Bat Length Weight 32 40 32 50 34 60 36 60 36 70 36 80

Weighted Bat Length Weight 28 40 30 40 30 50 32 60 33 60 34 70 34 80

The weighted devices in accordance with the present teachings may beconfigured having a variety of differing configurations, weights andweight attachment mechanisms. For example, a steel weight, due to itsdensity of approximately 7,850 kg/m³, can be included to add asubstantial weight in the bat handle in some embodiments. However, inother embodiments, aluminum having a density of approximately 2,712kg/m³ or another material may be included rather than steel. In suchembodiments, the substitution of aluminum being less dense than steelmay require a larger weight with a different shape depending upon thedesired weight.

Other sections of the weighted device, such as the end cap and the knob,may also be configured to accommodate specific design points. In someembodiments, the end cap may be removable to provide access to theinternal core of the device and then securely reattached. The end capmay be made of any material capable of being associated with the barrelof the handle weighted device, such as metals, plastics, compositematerials, or the like. In other embodiments, the end cap may bemanufactured as an integral part of the device.

In lieu of or in addition to the weighted handle, the knob may be madeof a weighting material. Such knobs can be made of various metal oralloy construction and may be solid or hollow with varying wallthickness. In other embodiments, the knob can be constructed of a hollowor lighter material and the weighting material included only in theknob. In some embodiments, the knob can be configured similar to atraditional baseball bat knob. In other embodiments, the knob can bedesigned having decorative features of various sizes and shapes, such asa flare, ball, or disk design, that allow the user to comfortably gripthe handle and swing the handle weighted device.

The attachment of the weighted handle to the knob will be configured tosecurely stabilize the weight and maintain the integrity of the device,because the heaviest portion of the device will be located in thehandle. The handle weighted device in accordance with the presentteachings may use a variety of differing configurations so as tosecurely attach the weighted handle to the knob. For example, in someembodiments, the handle and knob can be manufactured as a single,integral component. In other embodiments, the handle and the knob can bemanufactured as separate components fastened by an attachment mechanism,for example, by a pin-connection, a screw connection, a ratchet screwconnection, or any adhesive means. The attachment mechanisms can befurther secured in the handle by using an adhesive or sealant. Theseattachment configurations are exemplary and non-limiting. When using theseparate handle and knob embodiment, to assemble the components beforeuse, the end cap may be removed, in some embodiments, to provide accessto the hollow internal core. The heavy weighted material or weightedinsert can be inserted inside the core and securely fastened to thehandle by way of an attachment mechanism. The end cap is then replaced.In other embodiments, the weight can be inserted into the hollow corethrough the handle end and surrounded by additional filler material, ifneeded. In both embodiments, the user can select the amount ofadditional weight to be inserted into the device.

FIG. 3A shows an exemplary embodiment of a dual handle weighted warm upand practice bat having a symmetrical design, in accordance with thepresent teachings, where the bat includes two weighted knobs 360 a and370 a at opposite ends of bar 310 a, for use as a training bat. Weights380 a and 390 a are mounted inside bar 310 a at the handle portionsadjacent each weighted knob 360 a and 370 a. Note, due to the weightdistribution, in this example, the center of gravity CG of the trainingdevice is located at the midpoint of bar 310 a. The weighted end membersor knobs 360 a and 370 a can be constructed in a variety of materialsand construction. The knobs can be constructed of steel, aluminum and avariety of other metals or alloys. It is also contemplated that the knobelements can be constructed in a hollow configuration where materialslike sand, ball bearings, water, stone or other viscous materials can beplaced in the knobs. This configuration of the knob element may apply toall of the knob components of the handle weighted bats in accordancewith the present teaching. The rod member 310 a can be a made of a onepiece construction with varying wall thickness where the handle portionsmay be thicker and more rigid than the center portion of the rod 310 abeing made of thinner and lighter construction. The length of the handleweighted bat can be of any desired length that is suitable to the user.The weights 380 a and 390 a in the handle can include but are notlimited to steel of various grades, iron, magnesium, titanium, graphiteor any other comparable material. The construction of the weights 380 aand 390 a can apply to all other products that use weights in the handleelements in accordance with the present teachings.

In comparison to FIG. 3A, the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3Billustrates an alternative symmetrical design of a dual handle trainingbat 300 b including a single non-uniform weight 380 b provided within aninternal core 350 b inside the bar 310 b of the bat extending from afirst end 365 b of the training bat 300 b to a second end 375 b. Aweighted handle 360 b can be provided attached to the first end 365 b,and a weighted handle 370 b can be provided attached to the second end375 b. The non-uniform weight 380 b is adapted to fit slidably withinthe internal core 350 b. The internal thickness of the diameter of thebar 310 b is configured having a non-uniform diameter to compliment thenon-uniform shape of the weight 380 b. The example in FIG. 3B shows thebar 310 b having two different internal diameters, d₁ and d₂.Interchanging the non-uniform weight 380 b can be used to shift thecenter of gravity (CG) of the training bat. The non-uniform dual handlebat 300 b can be configured having several differing interchangeableweights with differing structures or geometries that can be insertedinto and removed from the training bat to shift the center of gravity(CG) of the training bat. In some embodiments, the bat may includeweighted knobs 360 b, 370 b attached at each respective end of thenon-uniform weight 380 b.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3C illustrate a training bat 300 chaving an asymmetrical design, wherein the weight of one end differsfrom the weight of the other end. In this embodiment, the first end 360c of bar 310 c comprises a heavy weighted end and the second end 370 ccomprises a light weighted end or a non-weighted end. The weighted endknob 360 c can be configured to resemble a conventional baseball bat andknob. The light weighted or non-weighted end 370 c can be configured toflare out into a handle grip 385 c. The flared shape of the handle grip385 c provides a more comfortable feel and aids the user whileperforming warm up stretches, like windmill stretches, to loosen theuser's muscles and reduce the risk of injuries.

FIG. 9 demonstrates, by way of example, that the knob elements 360 and370 can be removed and replaced by way of a threaded element 311 thatconnects the handle 310 to weights 380 or 390. In some embodiments, thebat may include knobs or weighting elements having differing weights,positioned at each end of the rod. The weights can be changed toincrease or decrease the weights as desired. This flexibility enablesthe training device to be easily reconfigured so that the CG can bemoved closer to one of the weighted handles 380 or 390 which in turn canfurther improve the tendency of the batter to follow the desiredcircular hand path and improve his hitting ability.

FIG. 4A shows a handle weighted bat 400 a having a removable andreplaceable weighted knob element 412 a, a handle element 413 a thathouses a weight 415 a and a barrel element 414 a terminating in an endcap 416 a. In this example, the CG is located at the end of the handleelement 413 a which greatly enhances the batters ability to follow thedesired circular hand path of FIG. 6. With both the concentration ofweight 415 a in the handle 413 a and the weighted knob 412 a at one endof the bat, this introduces resistance to wrist release which acts toinhibit an essential element of the linear hitting dynamics and enhancesthe circular hand path. In this embodiment, the handle weighted bat 400a can be constructed of aluminum or steel and the knob 412 a can beconstructed in accordance with the training device of FIG. 3. The weightelements can also be constructed in accordance with the training devicedepicted in FIGS. 3A-3C. The weighing element in FIG. 4A is shown havinga relatively short length that does not extend into a tapering portionof the barrel of the bat 400 a. Thus, to provide the substantial weightrequired in the handle when such shorter weights are selected, theweighting element is selected from one or more high density metal oralloy such as steel.

In comparison to FIG. 4A, the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4Billustrates the selection of a weighting element 418 b, consisting ofaluminum which is less dense than steel, but configured havingsubstantially the same weight as steel in FIG. 4A inserted within ahandle weighted bat 400 b. When using a less dense material such asaluminum in comparison to steel, in order to obtain the desiredsubstantial weight in the handle, the weighting element may be selectedfrom a metal or alloy having measurements and configurations differentfrom a more dense material. In comparison to FIG. 4A, the weightingelement 418 b is configured as a longer weight that extends into thetapered barrel section 420 b and having a fluted end portion 422 b thatslightly flares outward corresponding to the configuration of thetapered barrel section 420 b. Thus, the length and the shape of thealuminum weighting elements, in this embodiment, may be selecteddepending upon the additional weight desired to be added.

The attachment of the weighted handle to the knob will be configured tosecurely stabilize the substantial weight and maintain the integrity ofthe device, because the heaviest portion of the device will be locatedin the handle. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4B, a screwconnection 424 b is provided as a weight attachment mechanism in thehandle weighted bat 400 b. For example, to assemble weighting element418 b into bat 400 b for use, end cap 426 b is removed, and theweighting element 418 b is inserted into the hollow core 430 b of thebat and attached within the handle 428 b using the screw connection 424b. End cap 426 b is securely reattached to close the end of the bat.

In FIG. 4C, a ratchet screw-pin connection 424 c is provided as anexample of another weight attachment mechanism included in the handleweighted bat 400 c. The screw ratchet assembly 424 c is provided formating and screwing the weight into the handle. The ratchet assembly 432c further includes a pin lock 432 c that functions as a lock and arelease button. During attachment of the weight, the pin 432 c can beengaged to assisting with locking the weight into position relative tothe handle and to prevent rotational movement of the weight. To removethe weight from the handle, the pin can be disengaged to release theweight and the weight can be unscrewed and removed from the handle. Theratchet screw-pin connection illustrates a locking pin system comprisinga single pin. However, it would be understood that the use of otherconfigurations, such as a two-pin or three-pin locking systems, arewithin the scope of the present teachings. Further, the attachmentmechanisms depicted in FIGS. 4B and 4C are exemplary and non-limiting.

The various embodiments of the bats described according to the presentteachings can be made more versatile in a modular format that will allowthe user to increase or decrease the unit weight of the bat by swappinghandle inserts of varying sizes. The inserts can be made of iron,stainless steel, a combination thereof, or any other practice metal oralloy construction and can be replaceably fastened into the end ofeither the training bat or weighted bat, for example, with a screwthread feature, a friction/suction element, or through a snap on/indesign.

In FIG. 7, a modular alternative embodiment of the dual handle weightedtraining bat 500 is shown having weighted removable and interchangeableknobs 517 and 518, removable and interchangeable length handles 519 and520, removable and changeable weights 521 and 524 and interchangeablelength rod 523. While threaded connections are shown between the modularelements of the training bat, those having skill in the art wouldunderstand that other means to provide releasable connections betweenthese elements are contemplated. The various potential configurationsdue to the interchangeability of the training bat provides the abilityto custom fit the training bat according to the swing adjustment needsof each potential customer.

In FIG. 8A, a modular alternative of the handle weighted bat 600 isshown having weighted removable and interchangeable knob 624, aninterchangeable length handle 625, an interchangeable weight 626, aninterchangeable barrel 627 having an end cap 628. As with the modulardual handle training bat 500 the threaded connections are shown betweenthe modular elements of the handle weighted bat 600 but other means toprovide releasable connections between these elements are alsocontemplated. The flexibility of the potential configurations betweenthe modular elements of the handle weighted bat 600 provides the abilityto custom fit the bat according to the swing adjustment needs ofpotential customers. The handle member 625 can be constructed ofaluminum steel, graphite or aluminum or any other suitable material. Thebarrel element 627 can be constructed of aluminum, wood or any othermaterial approved for use in a baseball bat.

In FIG. 8B, a modular bat 700 is shown where the barrel 729 has asmaller diameter than the barrel 627 in FIG. 8A. A knob element 730 issmaller than the knob 624 in FIG. 8A. Handle weight 732 is longer thanthe weight 626 shown in FIG. 8A. All of the bat elements shown in FIGS.8A and 8B are designed to be interchangeable by compatible connectionmeans to expand the customizing ability of the batting system.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8C illustrates another embodiment ofthe training bat 750 that includes interchangeable knob-and-handleweighted inserts 752 a, 752 b, 752 c, wherein the knob is manufacturedas an integral part of the weighted inserts. The knob-and-handleweighted inserts 752 a, 752 b, 752 c can be manufactured having variousweights, lengths or sizes. In the example shown in FIG. 8C, theknob-and-handle weighted inserts are shown having various lengths, whichcan be interchanged to vary the handle weight of the training bat 750.The knob-and-handle weight inserts are usable in both the training bat750 and the weighted bat 760. Thus, the knob-and-handle weighted inserts752 a, 752 b, 752 c can also be interchangeably inserted into theweighted bat 760.

FIG. 10 provides an alternative system for changing the weights thatmounted within the weighted bat handle or the dual handle training bat.While the handle weights can be installed within the modular trainingbat and the modular bat, FIG. 10 shows a more flexible system that maymake replacing the handle weights more convenient. In FIG. 10, a sleevearrangement 810 that slides onto and along a rod 834 provided within thebat's handle 833 is shown. The sleeve arrangement 810 may include atleast one sleeve element 835, 836 that functions as spacers to securelyposition the handle weight 837 at a desired location along the rod 834.The batting system 800 may include a weighted knob 832 that has anextension 832 a that has a threaded female surface inside thisextension. A rod element 834 has first and second end portions havingmale threaded portions that engage the female threads of knob extension832 a at the first end and the second end of rod 838 engages a femalefitting secured at the end of handle 833. Alternatively, the second end838 of rod 834 can be arranged to engage a female fitting mounted in thebarrel element 840. Sleeve elements 835 and 836 are designed to slideover the first and second threaded end portions of rod 834. Handleweight 837 is also designed to slide over the first and second threadedportions of rod 834. The sleeves 835 and 836 and the handle weight 837can be arranged along rod 834 in the handle 833 as follows. The selectedweight and its location along the handle member 833 are firstdetermined. The length of sleeve members 835 and 836 are selected sothat the weight element 837 is positioned in the desired position alongthe length of rod 834. The sleeves are also designed with a walldiameter that will abut the extension 832 a of knob member 832. When thesleeves 835 and 836 and the weight 837 are in place as shown in FIG. 10and the knob 832 is tighten, it will compress the sleeves and weightstogether to provide a secure mounting of the weight 837 in handle 833.It should be noted that if desired a weight of sufficient length couldbe mounted in handle 837 without any sleeves if the weight is longenough to engage the knob extension 832 a. It may also be desirable touse only one sleeve to properly locate the weight 837 in handle 833.

Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theteachings disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only. For example, the weightedhandle device can be used to train and enhance performance in a varietyof sports and activities. For example, softball products can includepractice swing clubs of varying weights with knobs at one or both endsfor use by Little League, scholastic, amateur, professional andrecreational players, as well as practice bats of various weights,constructions, and designs as appropriate for the level of play. Golfproducts can include practice clubs of varying weights to assist withstretching exercises, and weighted grips can be incorporated into to thedesign of the competition and recreational golf club sets. Tennis,badminton, squash and racket ball products can include practice swingclubs of varying weights fitted with sport specific grip designs andtraining rackets for use in practice play. Hockey, lacrosse, fieldhockey products can include practice sticks of varying weights for usein training drills. Martial arts products can include hand held devicesof varying weights for use in various martial arts systems that utilizeweapons and other implements as part of forms training. General fitnessproducts can include non-sports specific swing devices of varyingweights and designs which can be used as a part of stretching,flexibility, therapy, strengthening or rehabilitation systems.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A modular batting system, comprising: a pluralityof batting devices, comprising at least a training bat and a handleweighted bat; and a plurality of elements interchangeable between thetraining bat and the handle weighted bat to provide a user custom fitbat.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the plurality ofinterchangeable elements comprises at least one of a weighted removableand interchangeable knob, a removable and interchangeable length handle,a removable and interchangeable weight, and an interchangeable lengthrod.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein: the training bat comprising:an elongated tube having a first end and a second end and providing ahitting portion; a first weighted knob and a first weighted handletraining bat assembly attached to the first end; and a second weightedknob and a second weighted handle training bat assembly attached to thesecond end; and the handle weighted bat, comprising: a handle portion; atubular barrel defining a bat hitting portion extending from the handleportion to an outer end opposite the handle portion; an end cap providedat the outer end; and a weighted knob and a weighted handle bat assemblyincluding at least one weighting element provided at the handle portion.22. The system of claim 21, further comprising a sleeve arrangementcontaining one or more interchangeable weighting element and configuredto be removably insertable into each of the weighted handles to vary theweight of the weighted knob and weighted handle training bat assembly orthe weighted knob and weighted handle bat assembly.
 23. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the plurality of interchangeable elements comprises anon-uniform weight.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the training batcomprises a wall thickness of varying thickness surrounding thenon-uniform weight.
 25. The system of claim 23, wherein the handleweighted bat comprises a wall thickness of varying thickness surroundingthe non-uniform weight.
 26. The system of claim 21, wherein a weightingmaterial provided in the plurality of interchangeable elements isselected from the group consisting of steel, iron, magnesium, titanium,copper, and graphite.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the pluralityof interchangeable elements has a configuration selected based upon adensity of the weighting material.
 28. The system of claim 21, furthercomprising an attachment mechanism provided to attach the plurality ofinterchangeable elements to at least one of the training bat and thehandle weighted bat.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein the attachmentmechanism is selected from at least one of a pin connection, a screwconnection, a ratchet screw connection and an adhesive means.
 30. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the end cap is configured to be removablyattached to the barrel to provide access to an internal core of thebarrel to enable attachment of at least one of the plurality ofinterchangeable elements within the handle portion.
 31. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the handle portion is configured to be removablyattached to the barrel to provide access to an internal core of thebarrel to enable attachment of the at least one of the plurality ofinterchangeable elements within the handle portion.